Department Issues Cease and Desist Order to NRA for Marketing Insurance Without a License

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) today issued a Cease and Desist Order to the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). The order alleges the NRA marketed an insurance product in California without being licensed to do so.

All persons soliciting the purchase of insurance products in California are required to be licensed by CDI. The NRA sponsors the Carry Guard Personal Firearms Liability Including Self-Defense Insurance Policy. This product provides coverage for bodily injury or property damages that result from the legal use of a firearm.

"The California Department of Insurance insists on full compliance with California law that requires persons soliciting the purchase of insurance in California must be appropriately licensed to do so," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Because the NRA allegedly failed to comply with this California legal requirement, it became necessary for the department to take this action against the NRA to end this illegal conduct in California."

In the order, CDI alleges the NRA sent emails to mailing list subscribers featuring NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch and NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre explaining why the recipient should buy the policy and outlining policy specifics. The Insurance Code prohibits a person from soliciting or negotiating insurance policies in California without a valid license. The NRA has never held an insurance license in California.